Novak attended Brown Deer High School in Brown Deer, Wisconsin, where he was born. As a junior, Steve averaged 22.2 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 3.4 blocked shots per game. During his senior season, Novak averaged 20.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. Throughout his high school basketball career, he earned four letters. In 2002 Novak was named the Wisconsin High School Boys Basketball Player of the Year.